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About your course

Completing the BA (Hons) Education Studies and Inclusion with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University will enable you to play a key role in promoting social inclusion and removing barriers to learning.

Covers topical and controversial issues

Examines the socio-political and historical context that has often marginalised people

Opens up careers in teaching as well as social care, health and social work

Broad range of placements opportunities with local schools and links to special needs providers

Start month: September

Campus location: Teaching will commence at IM Marsh Campus, but may be subject to change in 2019/20

Additional course costsThere are no costs for off site day trips embedded into Core and Option modules. Optional international placements will have a cost attached.

Overall, I have found the course interesting, with varied modules and content. My knowledge surrounding educational policies and practice and a variety of disabilities has improved greatly, and I am now able to actively engage in conversation with other professionals.

Laura Lapham, current student

This course explores education in its broadest sense and draws on aspects of sociology, history, politics, psychology and philosophy to provide an understanding of current educational thinking and practice

Work-related learning

The course has a strong element of work-related learning, with a broad range of placement opportunities provided by local organisations and schools. There are guest speakers from Children and Adult Mental Health Services, and bereavement counsellors from children's hospitals and hospices. You might even want to get an international perspective on your future career through work experience abroad.

Work experience is a vital element of your studies as it gives you a chance to put into practice what you have learnt during the course, and gain new skills as well. It will also add real value to your CV, giving you a head start when you come to negotiate your way around the competitive job market.

Support and guidance

Dedicated personal tutor plus study skills support.

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will help and support you to become an independent and autonomous learner as you progress through your course. This kind of one-to-one support is particularly useful for discussing course-related issues or concerns you may have during your studies. Other forms of support include a Student Support Zone and library, which stay open in the evenings and at weekends during term time. The IM Marsh Campus where this course is based is renowned for its friendliness and strong sense of community.

Go abroad

LJMU aims to make an international opportunity available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree, either in Europe or the US. You could take part in a work placement in Europe under the ERASMUS+ scheme or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. There are also opportunities to attend a two-week summer school with one of our worldwide partners.

Our Go Global Fund can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?

Course details

This BA (Hons) Education Studies and Inclusion with Foundation Year course aims to prepare students with the knowledge and skills required to support individuals with a disability or special need, removing barriers and enabling full inclusion with society.

​Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the interest and ability to study for a degree, but do not have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Education Studies and Inclusion honours degree programme yet.

Once you pass the Foundation Year (Level 3) you will progress directly onto the first year of the Honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

Working with people who have disabilities or special educational needs is both challenging and rewarding. It requires an open mind and a flexible approach so that you are able to discard preconceived ideas and embrace alternative views and new ways of working.

Through multidisciplinary enquiry, the course examines the socio-political and historical context that has often marginalised people within particular communities and pockets of society in general. The course engages with topical and controversial issues relating to disability and special needs such as: representation, access to learning, education, employment and health, end of life issues, embryo selection and euthanasia and considers specific needs such as dyslexia, ADHD, language and communication difficulties.

Throughout the course, there is a constant emphasis on the link between theory and practice, in order for students to become critically informed and reflective practitioners.

The course brings together all aspects of education such as the effects of poverty and social exclusion, and curriculum development. Lying at the heart of this course are the needs and rights of children, and your moral and professional role in working with them.

The course explores education in its broadest sense and draws on aspects of sociology, history, politics, psychology and philosophy to provide an understanding of current educational thinking and practice. In your second year of study there is an extended work placement, so that you can gain the experience and practice you need before embarking on further study or a career.

The course gives you enormous scope to tailor your studies to your own interests through optional modules, research and work-related practice.

Please note: Mature applicants with sufficient relevant experience may be invited to attend an interview.

What you will study on this degree

Please see guidance on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.

Level 3

The foundation year includes modules to develop your study skills for higher education. You will have the opportunity to get to know the city of Liverpool better whilst learning about social, educational and community based issues. We will also introduce key academic ideas in the area of education and early childhood studies.

Level 4

Learners and Learning in Contemporary Society

Education and Society

Snapshots of Education

Introducing Special and Inclusive Needs

What is Disability?

Special Educational Needs and Inclusion

Level 5

Research Approaches & Methods

Schools and the Curriculum

Disability and Identity

The following options are typically offered:

International & Comparative Education

Education, Equality and Social Justice

Contemporary Issues for Young People

International Placement

Project Design & Implementation in Education

Developing Employability Skills Through Work Based Learning

Supporting the Individual and the Family

Picturing Disability: From Print to Screen

Creativity and Discovery Learning in the Early Years

Level 6

Dissertation

Inclusion For All: Supporting a Range of Needs

The following options are typically offered:

Gender and Ethnicity in Education

Education and Technology

Adult Education and Lifelong Learning

Parents and Schools

Radical Education

Education in Fiction, Film and the Media

Informal and Non-formal Education

Supporting Vulnerable Children and Young People in Education

International Perspectives on Disability and Inclusion

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Therapeutics in the Early Years

Education and Technology

Further guidance on modules

The information listed in the section entitled ‘What you will study’ is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Please see the programme specification document for further details on this course.

Teaching and learning

Excellent facilities and learning resources.

​Teaching on the course is via a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, use of ICT, placement experience and independent learning.

Your lecturers

Expert tuition and support.

Your tutors’ extensive professional experience in roles such as teaching, social work, probation work and paediatric nursing means they are able to provide practical as well as theoretical insight into the full range of career choices open to you.

They have a range of professional qualifications, including Qualified Teacher Status, Certificate of Qualification in Social Work, Early Years Professional Status and Associate Member of the British Dyslexic Association and some are members of the British Psychological Society and Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.

They are all actively engaged in research in which students are encouraged to get involved, and publish widely on the subject of education and special needs. Alongside the staff team, you will also have the opportunity to work with a range of practitioners.

Assessment and feedback

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose.

​We recognise that all students perform differently depending on how they are being assessed, which is why we use a combination of assessment methods. Coursework may therefore include essays, reports, presentations, newspapers, posters, diaries and a dissertation. Exams are limited to the main core modules.

Constructive feedback is important in helping you to identify your strengths and areas where you may need to put in more work, so this will be provided regularly as you progress through each module.

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

Minimum points required from qualifications

72

Application and selection

​​​A DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service - formerly CRB) is a requirement of entry onto this course which involves working with children or vulnerable adults during placements. The regulations on declaring criminal convictions on a UCAS application form can be found on the UCAS website. Please contact us should you require any further information.

GCSE and equivalents

Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
• Functional skills level 2 in Maths/ English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

A Levels

Minimum number of A Levels required: 2

Is general studies acceptable? Yes

Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Average A Level offer: DDD

Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20

BTEC qualifications

BTEC certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

90 credit diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Diploma (QCF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Diploma subjects / grades required: DM if studied on its own or to the total of 72 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications

Extended diploma (QCF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Extended diploma subjects / grades required: MMP if studied on its own or to the total of 72 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Further information: Pass required

International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Additional information: Acceptable with any other combination that equates to 72 UCAS Tariff points

Welsh awards

Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Irish awards

Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via NARIC.

Finance and fees

Find out more about the student funding that you may be eligible for from either LJMU or the government. This section will give you information about grants and loans as well as targeted support for students with children, adult dependants or those with a disability.

Please note that the amount of money you will receive as a student is dependent on where in the UK you normally live (i.e. England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland).

LJMU scholarships

LJMU's scholarships are open to all new full-time Home and EU undergraduates that are liable to pay tuition fees. These awards are not income assessed, they are based on excellence. If successful, you will be awarded a scholarship for each year of your course subject to satisfactory progress. Scholarships are worth between £1,000 and £10,000 per year. The money you receive doesn’t have to be paid back.

LJMU bursary

The LJMU bursary is automatically paid to eligible students – you do not need to apply for it. The annual bursary is £500, which works out at £1,500 over a three year degree.

LJMU bursaries are means-tested and you don’t have to pay them back; they are intended to help you meet some of the costs associated with being a student.

Tuition fees

You will be charged a fee for each year of your course. The University reserves the right to increase fees up to the maximum permitted by law or government policy in the second and subsequent years of your course. Generally, these fee increases are linked to RPIX inflation (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

The fees quoted are those for the 2018/19 year as information for 2019/20 is not yet available. The Department for Education (DfE) have recently announced that they will be freezing tuition fees for the 2019/20 academic year. However, this is still subject to the normal parliamentary approval. Once 2019/20 fees are confirmed we will update our web pages accordingly.

The important thing to remember is that you don't have to pay your tuition fees upfront - subject to meeting eligibility criteria, you can take out a tuition fee loan for each year of your course.

You can also take out a maintenance or living cost loan for each year of your course to cover your living expenses, such as rent and food.

You don’t start repaying your student loans until after you’ve left university and start earning at least £25,000**.

LJMU is committed to ensuring that students understand the full cost of studying at the University. Your tuition fee will cover or contribute to, as appropriate, expenses associated with your core modules, including:

safety equipment, such as lab coats and goggles

uniforms for nurses, paramedics and other professional placements

UK field trips and other educational visits

student exchanges

DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service – formerly CRB)

Professional sector regulatory body membership

** Repayment threshold for students normally resident in England and Wales.

Living expenses (maintenance) loan

In addition to your tuition fees, eligible full-time undergraduate students can also apply for a maintenance loan to cover your living costs. If you’re eligible, you can take out a loan for each year of your course.

The amount you’ll receive will depend on where in the UK you normally live and your household income. This money will be paid into your bank or building society account in three instalments and it’s up to you to budget for your living costs.

Part time students starting in 2018 or later can also apply for a maintenance loan.

Paying back your student loans

You only start repaying your student loans the April after you have graduated or left university and start earning £25,000* or above. Repayments are based on a percentage of your salary not how much you have borrowed from the Student Loans Company. Repayments are currently set at 9% of any income over the threshold (which is currently set at £25,000).*

* Repayment threshold for students normally resident in England and Wales.

Career prospects

Completing this BA (Hons) degree in Education Studies and Inclusion will enable you to follow a range of rewarding career paths.

​This course is ideal if you want to pursue professional qualifications as a teacher (following a PGCE/PGDE course), special educational needs coordinator or inclusion support coordinator, behaviour support worker or learning mentor. If you prefer to work in the social care and health field, you might want to consider a career as a disability inclusion officer, local authority disability coordinator or disability support worker. Alternatively, your degree could lead to a career in community or charitable organisations.

CareerSmart programme

All students in their first year of study will have an opportunity to engage with the CareerSmart programme as an integral part of a core module of study. Once you have completed this, a wide range of other career-related provision and services will be available to support your development throughout your studies.

The new CareerSmart e-learning tool will introduce you to the steps involved in making informed choices about your career. It will enable you to consider your strengths and development areas, your career motivators, the options available to you and the necessary steps to take to achieve your career goals.

Professional accreditation / links

​We have links with local organisations and schools who provide a range of interesting work placements, including Sure Start Centres, International Schools, Children and Adult Mental Health Services and bereavement support organisations.

Foundation year fees

If you are studying on a foundation year of a degree programme you will be charged a reduced fee for your 1st year only. This means you will only pay £10,600 tuition fees for the first (foundation) year of your course.

International Scholarships

Studying at LJMU offers international students excellent value for money and the opportunity to secure an internationally-respected qualification plus outstanding career prospects.

LJMU offers scholarships for international students. The provision and range of these scholarships can change from year to year so it is important that you always check the website for the most up-to-date information. The University also accepts a range of external funding, should you be awarded a scholarship or sponsorship from elsewhere.

English language qualifications

All international applicants must have an internationally recognised English language qualification, such as IELTS (International English Language Testing Service). Your English language qualification must have been certified within the last two years for verification purposes. LJMU will accept other UKVI-recognised English language tests providing you attain the appropriate level.

This table summarises the minimum scores required by LJMU, although specific course requirements may differ depending on the programme you want to study.

English language support to improve IELTS

If your English language level does not meet the required entry requirements for your course you may still be offered a place on the condition that you successfully complete an English for Undergraduate Study course at LJMU’s International Study Centre.

Tuition fee deposits

International students are liable to pay a minimum deposit of 50% of their tuition fees before their CAS can be issued. The outstanding balance must be paid in full within 4 months of the given enrolment date.

Living Costs

When you apply for your visa or entry clearance, you will need to provide evidence of having enough money to support yourself for the duration of your programme and to pay for all of your living expenses. The good news is that the cost of living in Liverpool is one of the lowest in England, which means your money will go even further, allowing you to enjoy your student experience to the full.

In addition to academic fees, you must budget for living costs such as accommodation, food, clothing, books, local travel and entertainment. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) states that students studying outside London must have £1,015 per month for a maximum of nine months to cover their living costs.

We estimate that a single student living in LJMU-approved accommodation is likely to need an average of £5,000 to cover just their rent for a full academic year.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme Certificate (ATAS)

If you have applied to study an Enhanced Undergraduate Degree (such as an MEng) course at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate.

Alternatively, contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance. It is important to note that, if required, an ATAS certificate must be obtained before your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies can be released to you.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Before you can apply for permission to enter or remain in the UK under Tier 4 you will require a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS. LJMU will only assign a CAS once you have satisfied the conditions of any offer made to you and you satisfy the University’s obligations as a Tier 4 Sponsor. For more details, visit the international students section.

Your visa application

As soon as you have received an offer of a place at LJMU you should contact the Entry Clearance Office at the British Embassy, British High Commission or Consular Office in your own country to check whether you need a visa for entry into Britain. You are advised to do this as soon as you can as the visa application process can take a long time.

Please Note: To obtain an Entry Visa you should go to the British Embassy or High Commission in your own country, and present the following documents: